Bodrum, a stunning Turkish peninsula on the Aegean coast, is an ideal family holiday destination. Known by insiders as the Maldives of Europe thanks to its crystal clear waters, it is loved for its Mediterranean climate and rich history. Bodrum perfectly blends relaxing beach holidays with vibrant nightlife and ancient ruins, all framed by classic white-washed houses and the iconic Bodrum Castle.
What to Do in Bodrum
A trip to Bodrum Castle is a must to wander through the historic fortress. Built by the Knights of St John, it now houses one of the world's most important collections of ancient shipwrecks and relics. There are a flock of friendly peacocks in residence too, which were the highlight for both of my girls, according to Hannah Britt.
Elsewhere, Bodrum Antik Tiyatrosu is a remarkably preserved 4th-century BC Greco-Roman amphitheatre carved into the slopes of Mount Göktepe. Overlooking the city and the Aegean Sea, it stands as one of Anatolia's oldest surviving theatres.
A walk up to the 18th-century windmills between Bodrum and Gümbet provides sweeping views of Bodrum and beyond. On clear days you can see the Greek island of Kos. The windmills themselves are in need of some TLC, but it is a lovely spot to sit - and there is a cafe right next to them, with a swing on which to take some snaps for Instagram. The coffee is good too, along with the pomegranate juice.
Where to Eat
We headed down to the glamorous Bodrum marina to dine by the water at Liman Koftescisi, a renowned Turkish restaurant. The meatballs with aubergine were divine. We sat outside to enjoy the early evening sunshine and it is a lovely spot to watch the world go by. The kids enjoyed the delicious food as much as the grown ups, and staff catered to their every whim - including several glasses of milk.
Also on the marina lies Körfez, Bodrum's oldest dining establishment. First opened in 1927, this renowned seafood and Mediterranean spot specialises in fresh Aegean and Cretan cuisine, famous for dishes like octopus rice, fried calamari, and freshly caught local fish. The atmosphere is airy and bustling, and the catch of the day was cooked to absolute perfection.
Where to Drink
For those who love wine, Bodrum is abundant. Karnas Vineyards is a family-owned, boutique winery and agricultural estate located in the Karaova region of the Bodrum peninsula. Spanning over 20 hectares, it is famous for being the first vineyard to plant the Zinfandel grape variety in Turkey, producing award-winning wines using sustainable and traditional techniques. Featured in the Michelin Guide, the vineyard features a terrace restaurant serving local, farm-to-fork meals made from ingredients grown on-site or by local farmers.
Just down the road, Mehmet Vuran is the owner and winemaker at Garova in the Karaova Valley of Bodrum. A visit to his estate is as much of a delight for children as it is for the grown ups thanks to a menagerie of animals, with cows, chickens and baby chickens running around. As the golden sun dipped behind the horizon, as our visit to Bodrum drew to a close, we toasted to our return.
Where to Stay
Club Med, Bodrum, is a real hidden gem. A luxury all-inclusive hotel, perched on a hill at the end of a beautiful beach, it is a want-for-nothing palace of a place. While it is not specifically for children, little ones are welcomed with open arms. We stayed in a dual-floor family complex, which was roomy, spotless and with a lovely view out over the archery courts.
A large balcony with ample seating and shade provided a lovely place to sit a while too. Elsewhere, food options are brilliant - with an ever-changing buffet, mixed up to keep things fresh. Once a week the Club Med white party sees everyone dressed to the nines and brought together for an evening of live music and food around the pool.
A daily boat trip welcomes children on board and provides a complimentary sightseeing and snorkelling tour - a brilliant touch. And the sandy beach has enough beds and brollies for everyone to enjoy peace and quiet. The water, clear enough to see the fish nibbling your toes, is divine. When I tell you that we did not want to leave, it is no lie. From the eldest of us to the youngest we were thoroughly impressed.
Getting There
Without flights: Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Bodrum, Palmiye, Turkey from £2,490 (based on a family of four). Price based on departure date 06.06.26. Book now at www.clubmed.co.uk/r/bodrum/y or call 03453 676767. London flights: Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Bodrum, Palmiye, Turkey from £4,014 (based on a family of four). Price based on departure date 06.06.26. Book now at www.clubmed.co.uk/r/bodrum/y or call 03453 676767.
